What is in the vanilla blue sky smoothie?

December 16, 2025 •

4 min read

Originally made popular by Jamba, the Vanilla Blue Sky smoothie is a vibrant, plant-based beverage that gets its stunning color from a natural superfood ingredient. This article explores the full ingredient list, health benefits, and offers a DIY recipe to create your own at home.

Quick Summary

This guide breaks down the core components of the Vanilla Blue Sky smoothie, highlighting the use of plant-based milks, frozen fruit, and natural blue spirulina. It covers the distinctive flavor profile and key nutritional aspects.

Key Points

Core Ingredients: The smoothie includes almond milk, vanilla coconut milk, frozen pineapple, frozen banana, and a boost from blue spirulina powder.
Signature Color: The distinctive bright blue color comes from blue spirulina, a nutrient-dense algae that provides antioxidants.
Flavor Profile: The taste is a blend of creamy vanilla, tropical fruit, and a mild, earthy undertone from the spirulina.
Nutritional Value: It is a plant-based, dairy-free option rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats, making it a relatively healthy choice.
DIY Versatility: You can easily make a homemade version and customize it with protein powder, extra fruit, or other superfoods like chia seeds.

Core Ingredients of the Vanilla Blue Sky Smoothie

The classic Vanilla Blue Sky smoothie, a fan-favorite, relies on a simple yet effective combination of ingredients to achieve its unique flavor and signature bright blue hue. The standard recipe includes a base of almond milk, a touch of vanilla coconut milk, and a blend of frozen fruits. The most notable ingredient is the blue spirulina, which is responsible for the captivating color and provides a significant nutritional boost.

The All-Star Lineup

Here are the essential ingredients that make up this popular drink:

Unsweetened Almond Milk: Serves as the smooth, nutty liquid base for the smoothie. It provides a creamy texture without adding excessive calories or sugars.
Vanilla Coconut Milk: This adds a rich, distinct vanilla flavor and enhances the creaminess of the smoothie, complementing the tropical fruits.
Frozen Pineapple: A primary flavor component, frozen pineapple provides a sweet, tropical tang. Using frozen fruit is essential for achieving a thick, milkshake-like consistency.
Frozen Banana: Adds natural sweetness and contributes significantly to the smoothie's creamy texture. The frozen state is key to creating a thick, cold, and refreshing drink.
Blue Spirulina: A type of blue-green algae, this superfood is the source of the smoothie's signature color. It is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, with a very mild, earthy taste that doesn't overpower the fruit flavors.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Value

Beyond its appealing flavor, the Vanilla Blue Sky smoothie is known for being a healthier option compared to many other sugary drinks. Its nutritional profile includes a good balance of plant-based proteins, healthy fats, and antioxidants.

Antioxidant Powerhouse: Blue spirulina is an excellent source of antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Vitamin-Rich: The inclusion of pineapple and banana ensures a healthy dose of essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C and potassium.
Dairy-Free and Plant-Based: This makes the smoothie an ideal choice for those with lactose intolerance or individuals following a vegan lifestyle.
Source of Healthy Fats: The coconut milk contributes medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and healthy fats.

Comparison Table: Vanilla Blue Sky vs. Standard Fruit Smoothie


Feature	Vanilla Blue Sky Smoothie	Standard Fruit Smoothie
Primary Color Source	Natural blue spirulina powder	Berries, mango, or other fruit pigment
Base Liquid	Unsweetened almond milk & vanilla coconut milk	Varies; often yogurt, fruit juice, or cow's milk
Unique Flavor Profile	Creamy vanilla, tropical pineapple, with a hint of earthy spirulina	Varies based on fruit, can be very sweet or tangy
Dairy-Free Potential	Standard recipe is dairy-free and vegan	Varies; often contains yogurt or milk
Superfood Boost	Includes blue spirulina for antioxidants	May include superfoods, but not standard

How to Make Your Own Vanilla Blue Sky Smoothie

Creating this popular beverage at home is straightforward and allows for customization based on your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here is a basic recipe to get started.

DIY Vanilla Blue Sky Recipe

Ingredients:
- 6 oz unsweetened almond milk
- 6 oz unsweetened vanilla coconut milk
- 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
- 1 frozen banana
- ½ - 1 tsp blue spirulina powder (adjust for desired color intensity)
Instructions:
1. Add all liquid ingredients to your blender first.
2. Next, add the frozen fruits and blue spirulina powder.
3. Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. You can add more liquid if the consistency is too thick.
4. For a "cloud" effect, you can smear some marshmallow cream or coconut whip on the inside of the glass before pouring in the smoothie.
5. Garnish with fresh banana slices or pineapple and enjoy immediately.

Optional Add-ins and Variations

For a customized drink, consider these popular additions:

Protein Boost: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder (collagen or whey) for a more filling, post-workout option.
More Creaminess: A scoop of plain Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt can make the smoothie thicker and more substantial.
Extra Nutrients: Chia seeds or hemp seeds can be added for extra fiber and healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Alternative Sweeteners: While the fruit provides natural sweetness, a small amount of honey, maple syrup, or agave can be added if a sweeter flavor is desired.

Conclusion

The vanilla blue sky smoothie is more than just a visually appealing drink; it's a refreshing, nutrient-dense beverage that combines the creamy flavors of vanilla and coconut with the tropical sweetness of pineapple and banana. The use of blue spirulina gives it a healthy boost of antioxidants while providing its signature bright blue shade. Whether you prefer the classic Jamba recipe or want to create your own customized version with added protein or other superfoods, this smoothie is a delicious and healthy choice that's easy to make at home. For more health-conscious options, explore other Jamba nutrition facts from sources like Verywell Fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

The smoothie's vibrant blue color comes from blue spirulina powder, a nutrient-rich blue-green algae. It is a natural food coloring that is also known for its antioxidant properties.

Yes, the standard recipe for the Vanilla Blue Sky smoothie is dairy-free. It uses unsweetened almond milk and vanilla coconut milk as its liquid base, making it suitable for vegans and those with lactose intolerance.

No, blue spirulina has a very mild, slightly earthy taste that is generally masked by the sweetness of the fruit and the vanilla flavor. Unlike green spirulina, the blue version does not have a strong fishy aftertaste.

Yes, you can easily add a scoop of vanilla-flavored protein powder, such as whey or a plant-based alternative, to increase the protein content and make it a more filling meal replacement or post-workout drink.

According to nutritional data, a small (16 oz.) Vanilla Blue Sky smoothie from Jamba contains approximately 210 calories. The exact calorie count will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

Yes, the smoothie is considered a healthy option due to its low-calorie, dairy-free, and antioxidant-rich ingredients. It provides vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, especially when compared to many classic, sugar-packed smoothies.

To achieve a thicker, more creamy consistency, you can use more frozen fruit (such as a frozen banana), add a scoop of Greek or coconut yogurt, or reduce the amount of liquid used in your recipe.